How To Make Your Retainer Fit At Home

Retainers maintain the correct positioning of the teeth after orthodontic treatment but can loosen after some time. This is frequent, and it mostly happens when you have been out of your retainer for quite some time. As this is good news, there are several possibilities to repair and remodel your retainer so that it will fit at home again. Now, let us take you through the best practices for the kind of comfort and result that is desirable for a retainer.

Why Your Retainer Might Not Fit Anymore

Before we learn how to make your retainer fit again at home, it is crucial to know why it does not fit properly. Here are some common reasons:

• Missed Wear Time

  If you have not been wearing the retainer as described, then your teeth could have regressed to their former misaligned positions.

• Warps or Damage

  Accidentally placing pressure on the retainer or exposure to heat can lead to bending the retainer.

• Natural Teeth Movement

  However, it is a common understanding that the positioning of teeth may alter slightly even with consistent use.

  For any reason, if you feel uncomfortable or have shifted to a new position often, then you should see your orthodontist. For amendments, here is how you can repair your retainer at home.

Steps to Make Your Retainer Fit At Home

The Lukewarm Water Method: Gently Adjust Your Retainer

A possible effective way to address a slightly warped or tight retainer is to soak in lukewarm water. The warm water will melt the plastic slightly, thus enabling you to reposition the retainer to your desired shape.

Here’s how to do it:

• Boil a bowl of water until it becomes warm, but this should not be too hot as it will harm the retainer.
• Rinse your retainer for 15-20 minutes for it to become flexible so that you can put it in your mouth.
• After washing, put the retainer into your mouth and then apply pressure to your teeth to help the retainer assume its normal position.

Clean Your Retainer Thoroughly

Wearing the retainer can be uncomfortable if you think your teeth have tartar or plaque on them. Washing it as thoroughly as possible might be the solution to this issue.

Using a Cleaning Solution

If you want to clean the retainer, you should use a moderate cleaner, a gentle detergent, baking soda/sodium bicarbonate, and water. It can be wiped gently with a soft toothbrush after washing it with warm water for about 5 minutes.

Use Orthodontic Chewies for a Better Fit

Orthodontic chewies refer to small cylindrical tools, which are generally soft plastic and are frequently applied to align clear aligners and retainers. They can also be used when your retainer is too tight on the teeth or it hardly seems to fit after you have taken it off for some time.

How to use orthodontic chewies:

• Wearing the retainer is very easy; simply put the retainer inside your mouth as you normally do every time.
• Grasp the chewy with your teeth and apply slight pressure while moving it side to side.
• Chew for about 5–10 minutes and try to focus on the areas where the retainers are either very tight or very loose in your mouth.

Ensure Proper Storage

To avoid future warping, store your retainer properly. Always use a protective case, and keep it out of direct sunlight and heat, as these conditions can cause the case to lose its shape.

Gently Adjust Metal Retainers (Hawley Retainers)

If you have a Hawley retainer—the one with those metal wires—there may be some changes that you can make on your own. They are usually more durable and flexible than clear plastic retainers, and sometimes the wires can be tweaked for a better fit.

Here’s how to adjust a Hawley retainer:

• Determine which areas present signs of a loose or tight retainer.
• This should be done with clean fingers on the metal wires, and the force applied should either increase or decrease the width of the retainer as per the requirement.

Important: Switching positions of metal retainers must be done carefully. Some problems that arise include breaking of the wires or even causing discomfort due to excessive force. If you are not sure about these changes, then you should go to the orthodontist for the adjustments to be made.

Pro Tips: The Don’ts of Home Retainer Adjustments

While trying to adjust your retainer at home can be tempting, there are certain things you should never do, as they can cause permanent damage:

• Boiling Water

  As previously mentioned, it is not recommended to immerse the retainer in boiling water. This will lead to some sort of warping of the plastic whereby the retainer could not be used again due to the existing distortion.

• Using Pliers or Tools

  Do not use other household implements such as pliers or scissors in trying to bend your retainers. These tools are not suitable for the precision required for orthodontic appliances and may cause the appliances to break or cause the patient discomfort.

• Excessive Force

  Do not attempt to wear a retainer that is too tight for your teeth at any time. It not only harms the retainer but also causes discomfort to the patient by resulting in pain or gum problems.

Here’s a video showing things you shouldn’t try at home to fit the retainer

When To See Your Orthodontist

Here are a few signs that indicate when professional help is necessary:

• The retainer feels sore or irritated after attempting to change it.
• Your teeth have shifted a lot, and no matter how much you wear the retainer, they do not stay in place.
• The retainer is damaged, and its condition may also be characterized by a chipped edge or even if it has cracks and or fractures.
• Your gums might be sore, red, or bleeding, which could be attributed to the improper fit or rough surface of the retainer.

In such situations, the orthodontist may fix the retainer or make a new one to maintain the proper alignment of your teeth.

How To Prevent Retainer Fit Issues in the Future

Here are some tips to avoid retainer fit problems down the line:

• Wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist.
• Traveling with your retainers requires that they are properly stored in their case whenever they are not being used.
• Brush the retainer gently using a soft toothbrush and mild soap to avoid developing plaque that can alter its shape and fit.
• Do not place your retainer in hot water, as it might affect its shape.

If you take good care of your retainer, it will last longer and provide you with optimal fitting as required.

Knowing how to place your retainer back in its proper shape can be helpful since it saves money, time, and overall pain. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your retainer remains in pristine condition and performs the expected function of preserving the appealing smile. But if, after trying all those tips, your retainer remains uncomfortable or isn’t fitting well at all, it’s advisable to seek help from your orthodontist.